Frances Lee Beck

Frances Lee Riley Beck of Louisville passed away peacefully on April 5 at the age of 91. The daughter of Ruby Harrah Riley and Robert E. Riley, she was born July 2, 1925 in Clendenin, West Virginia. She was married to businessman E. Theodore “Ted” Beck for 34 years, until his death in 1983. She is survived by their four sons: Stephen Wayne (Judy), David Alan (Robin), Matthew Riley (Divette), and Thomas Martin (Amanda); her grandchildren Maureen Riley (Dan), Heather Beck, Megan Beck (Andy), Steven Beck (Kathryn), Brandon Beck (Michelle), Catherine Beck, Francie Beck and Bruce Riley Beck; her great-grandchildren Leyton Riley, Caelan Riley, Sylvie Fenley, and Torrin Beck; her sister Marguerite “Bill” Clark and many nieces and nephews. Her parents and sisters Patricia Richner and Lyn Combs preceded her in death.

Francie grew up in Pikeville, Kentucky and spent most of her adult life in Louisville. While attending the University of Kentucky, she joined the Alpha Delta Pi sorority and met Ted, whom she married after graduating with an Arts & Science degree. She was a member of the American Society of Medical Technologists and before her marriage she was a technician at the Methodist Hospital in Pikeville.

Francie was proudest of her roles as devoted helpmate to Ted and caring mother to her four sons. She was also well known for her sociable nature and love of entertaining. She and Ted regularly hosted parties at their home, and friends particularly looked forward to their big anniversary party in December. For decades, one of Francie’s favorite activities was dining with friends at the Louisville Boat Club, where, for many years, she also played weekly tennis games and bridge. She also enjoyed her winter home and her many friends in Daytona Beach, Florida. Another of Francie’s pastimes was playing the stock market. As a self-taught investor, she made many more winning than losing bets on Wall Street. Francie enjoyed traveling the world and visited countless countries, including most of Europe, Iran, Egypt, Brazil, Japan and China.

A memorial service will be held at Arch L. Heady & Son at Westport Village, 7410 Westport Rd, Louisville KY 40222 from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM on Thursday, April 13, 2017 with Remembrances at 6:00pm.